Bill > H387

This bill, amending Chapter 40B of the General Laws, aims to protect owners of affordable housing units within developments that also include market-rate units by limiting increases in homeowner association fees and assessments. Specifically, it stipulates that for any unit maintained as affordable housing under Chapter 40B, these fees and assessments cannot rise by more than 3 percent annually. Furthermore, any vote by the owners' association to increase fees beyond this limit will not be binding on affordable unit owners, and they will not be required to contribute to the construction or maintenance of non-essential amenities added to common areas, though they can voluntarily participate. The bill also clarifies that affordable unit owners will not have to pay attorney's fees to the owners' association for disputes unless they lose a challenge and the disputed rule directly relates to the health, safety, or welfare of the entire development. The overarching goal is to prevent costs and fees associated with affordable housing ownership from becoming unaffordable.